An apparatus and a method for packaging piece goods and in particular containers

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for packaging piece goods compilations includes a first wrapping device for wrapping up the piece goods with a film element, and a further wrapping device for wrapping up the piece goods with a film element, wherein the piece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with a film element, and wherein during working operation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and the further wrapping device can be selectively used in order to wrap the piece goods up.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for packagingpiece goods and in particular containers. It has been known for a longtime from the prior art that containers are bundled up into groups ofcontainers, for example so-called six-packs. Various approaches areknown for this purpose. In one approach known from the prior art, thesecontainers are packed in a film, which is then in turn shrunk onto thecontainers for example in a shrinking tunnel.

It has recently also become known to wrap up such groups of containersusing a stretchable film (also referred to below as a stretch film). Tothis end, the containers are moved into a wrapping device and arewrapped up there using a stretchable film. This stretchable film is thenusually wound off from rolls. When such a roll is empty, a new roll ofplastic film has to be mounted, so that the process can be continued.Thus, changeover times occur in the prior art, during which the machinestands still.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing anapparatus and a method for reducing such changeover times. Inparticular, in this way the entire working efficiency of such apparatusis to be enhanced. According to the invention, these objects areachieved by means of the subject matter of the independent patentclaims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject matterof the dependent claims.

An apparatus according to the invention for packaging compilations ofpiece goods includes a transport device that transports a plurality ofpiece goods in a specified transport direction. Further, the apparatusincludes a first wrapping device that is suitable and intended forwrapping a film element around the piece goods, and this first wrappingdevice has a dispensing unit with a dispensing element circulatingaround the piece goods, and the piece goods can be fed to the firstwrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film element.

According to the invention, the apparatus includes a further wrappingdevice that is suitable and intended for wrapping a film element aroundthe piece goods, which further wrapping device includes a dispensingunit with a dispensing element that circulates around the piece goods,and the piece goods can be fed to the further wrapping device so as tobe wrapped up with the film element, and wherein during workingoperation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and the furtherwrapping device may be selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods.

It is therefore proposed to provide a further wrapping device that mayin particular be used in cases where the first wrapping device is idle.This may for example be the case during repair works, however inparticular also for example when a new film roll has to be loaded ontothe first wrapping device. Conversely, the first wrapping device may bein operation, whilst the further wrapping device is idle and for examplea new film roll is loaded thereon.

This dispensing element may include for example a carrier, on which afilm roll can be rotationally provided. Apart from that, this dispensingelement may also include deflection rollers and the like or a dispensingedge, from which the film element can be applied to the containers in apredefined manner. It would thus be possible for a supply angle, underwhich the dispensing element applies the film element onto thecontainers, to be modified.

In principle, also a simultaneous operation of the two wrapping deviceswould be conceivable. It is further proposed to design the furtherwrapping device and the first wrapping device in such a way that duringongoing operation, one of the two wrapping devices may selectively beidle. Whilst one wrapping device works in operation, it is thus possibleto load the other wrapping device. Preferably, the two wrapping devicesare designed in the same way. In this way, an automatic loading of thewrapping devices can be facilitated.

It would here be conceivable for each of these wrapping devices to havetwo dispensing units which may for example be disposed opposite oneanother. In this way, changeover processes could be made to be evenfaster if needed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wrapping device has arigid carrier. This rigid carrier may be a carrier, on which the piecegoods or the piece goods stream are/is transported and in particularpushed on. Advantageously, this in particular rigid carrier is alsowrapped up with the film element. Subsequently, the piece goods orcontainers that have already been wrapped up can be pushed back off fromthis carrier. The film element will subsequently come to lie against aside of the containers, for example to a bottom of the containers.Preferably, this carrier extends in the transport direction of the piecegoods or containers and in particular this carrier extends at leastpartially through at least one wrapping device.

The piece goods to be wrapped may, as mentioned above, in particular becontainers, and these containers in turn may for example be plasticbottles, glass bottles, cans, pouches or the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wrapping device may also havelateral guide elements, which are preferably wrapped up as well. Afterthe wrapping, the container compilations may also be pulled off fromthese lateral guide elements.

Advantageously, these lateral guide elements, which may for example beimplemented in the shape of rods, extend in the transport direction ofthe piece goods. Further, it would also be conceivable for such lateralguide elements to extend continuously both through the first wrappingdevice and through the further wrapping device. In this context,preferably also two such lateral guide elements may be present, each ofwhich delimit the article flow at the sides. It is again pointed outhere that during normal operation, preferably only one of these twowrapping devices works or wraps the pieced good compilation up.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes a cuttingor separating unit that is suitable and intended for separating the filmelement in specified regions. In this way, the initially endlesslywrapped piece goods may be portioned, so that in each case for examplebundles of four, six or eight containers are separated off.Advantageously, this separation element is here designed in such a waythat it separates the piece goods compilations in predefined positions,in particular between two containers.

To this end it would be possible for the cutting element to movetogether with the piece goods compilation. In particular, a movement ofthe cutting element in the transport direction of the piece goodscompilations is at least at times synchronised with a movement of thispiece goods compilation, so that in this way a rectilinear cut ispossible even during continuous operation. However, also a cycledoperation would be conceivable, during which the piece goods compilationis stationary, whilst the cutting element carries out a correspondingcut of the film element. In an advantageous embodiment, the separationelement moves along a sawtooth-shaped movement path. It is conceivablehere for the separation element to be initially synchronously movedtogether with the piece goods compilation and, once the cut has beencarried out, to be quickly returned into its initial position.

Advantageously, the wrapping device wraps the piece goods compilation ina direction that extends around the transport direction of the piecegood compilation. In a further advantageous embodiment, the transportdirection is a rectilinear transport direction. In particular, it is ahorizontal transport direction. Advantageously, the wrapping devicewraps the containers or the article stream up in a helical and/or spiralway and in particular in a circulation direction around the transportdirection of the piece goods. However, it would here also be conceivablefor the wrapping direction to be orientated obliquely to the transportdirection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has at leastone transport belt or a transport chain. In a further advantageousembodiment, the transport device may include a plurality of transportdevices that transport the piece goods in sections. Thus for example, afirst transport device may feed the piece goods to a first wrappingdevice, a further transport device may feed the piece goods from thefirst wrapping device to a second or further wrapping device, and afurther transport device may feed the piece goods already wrapped to aseparation or cutting unit. Preferably here, the transport speeds ofthese transport devices are at least partially synchronised with eachother and/or matched to each other.

Advantageously, the at least one separation element is provideddownstream in relation to both wrapping devices.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensordevice that detects an occupancy state of the film element within atleast one wrapping device. In this way, for example the movementcondition of a film roll can be detected. As soon as for example thisfilm roll reaches a certain limit occupancy state, the user may benotified about an imminent change of the film roll. It would also beconceivable that, as soon as a certain occupancy state of a film roll isreached, another wrapping device, for example a further wrapping device,is put in operation. In this way, a seamless transition during ongoingoperation may be possible, and once a change has been carried out, it ispossible to switch back to the first wrapping device. It would also bepossible, once a film roll is empty, to change initially over(automatically) to another wrapping device.

The sensor device may for example be a sensor unit that works in acontactless manner while detecting an occupancy state of the film rolls.This may also for example be a weight detection unit that detects forexample the weight of a film roll and thus indirectly a filling state.Apart from that, markings may be applied to the film element itself,which indicate for example an imminent end of a film roll. Such markingsmay in particular be optically read out.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one dispensing unitincludes a reception device in particular for a rotational reception ofa film roll. Thus, for example, the dispenser unit may include at leastone roll carrier onto which for example a film roll can be pushed.During operation, this film roll can rotate and thus wind off the filmelement.

In a further advantageous embodiment, this reception device of at leastone dispensing unit may be accessible during ongoing operation of theapparatus, in order to replace one film roll with a further film roll.It is possible here for this reception device to be moved into a certainposition for a roll change, in which a change can be easily carried outby the user. Thus for example a housing of the system may include alateral opening. For the changeover, it may be possible to move a rollcarrier to this opening so as to present a new film roll. This may herepreferably be carried out automatically and in particular also duringongoing operation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes achangeover device that allows an at least partially automated changeoverof film carriers for loading the wrapping devices. Apart from the termfilm carrier, also the term film roll will be used below, and it ispointed out that the carrier does generally not necessarily have to be aroll.

In this embodiment it is therefore proposed to provide a changeoverdevice and in particular a changeover robot, which allow a changeover inparticular of film rolls. In this way, a changeover process, inparticular also during ongoing operation, can be carried out at leastsemi-automatically, preferably also fully automatically. Preferably,this changeover device has a gripping device located on a movementdevice for gripping and/or moving the film carriers or the film rolls.This movement device may in particular be a robot that allows asubstantially free movement in space of film carriers. This movementdevice may here have a plurality of arms connected together in anarticulated manner, which in this way allow pivoting about a pluralityof axes. Advantageously, the gripping device of the movement device canbe pivoted about at least two and particularly preferably about at leastthree axes. Advantageously, these axes extend perpendicularly relativeto each other. Further, the changeover device itself may include an inparticular stationary carrier that is placed in the region of theapparatus.

The gripping device may be a gripping device that allows a film roll tobe gripped from the inside. These film rolls usually have a tubularcavity on the inside thereof, into which the gripping device can engage.In a further advantageous embodiment, this gripping device has adetection device that can detect the presence of a label roll on thegripping device and/or can identify a film roll.

Advantageously, this detection device may also be suitable and intendedfor detecting the parameters of the film, such as for example materialcharacteristics and the like. In addition, this detection device mayalso ensure that the film roll is seated on the gripping device so as toconform with the rotational direction, so as to be inserted, also as perthe rotation direction, in the apparatus or in the wrapping device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus also includes aholding device for temporarily holding and/or carrying film rolls. It ispossible here for such film rolls to be placed on a support device by arobot device or a user. A detection device can in this condition detectthe data of the film element and can for example also check the correctorientation in terms of a rotational direction. Subsequently, the filmroll with the changeover device can be inserted into the machine.

It is thus for example possible for a robot to receive the film rollsand to place them on the carrier for inspection. In this context it isboth conceivable that the rolls are directly placed in the machine orare buffered, for example on a pallet, on a further storage device. In afurther advantageous embodiment, the gripping device has a spreadingelement that can in particular be spread apart on the inside of a filmroll so as to engage in the film roll. In a further advantageousembodiment, the apparatus also has a reception container for used filmrolls.

It is also possible here for a film of a further film carrier toimmediately follow on from the film of a film carrier that has runempty.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a further wrapping device directlyfollows on from the first wrapping device in the transport direction.Thus, it is for example possible for the containers to be wrappedselectively by the first wrapping device or by the second wrappingdevice and to be transported by the same transport device, in particularby a push transport device, through both, i.e. both the first and thesecond wrapping device.

Preferably, it would also be possible here for the first and the furtherwrapping device to be abutting directly against each other, for examplein such a way that any elements such as drives are mounted in such a waythat a distance between the two wrapping devices is not increased.

It would here also be possible for the dispensing unit of the firstwrapping device and the dispensing device of the further wrapping deviceto be placed opposite each other in relation to the transport path ofthe containers. In this way, the development of any imbalances may becounteracted.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one wrapping device hasan annular carrier on which the dispensing unit is placed.Advantageously here, this annular carrier is rotationally supported.Advantageously, this annular carrier is rotationally supported withregard to a constant rotary axis. Preferably here, this carrier isrotatable in relation to a rotary axis that extends parallel to thetransport direction of the piece goods. However, it would also beconceivable here for a rotary axis of this carrier to extend obliquelyto the transport direction of the piece goods. Advantageously, theapparatus has a drive device that drives this rotatable carrier.Preferably here, this driving operation may be carried out via a contactwith an external circumference of this annular carrier. Thus forexample, the annular carrier may be supported on a plurality of wheels,with at least one of these wheels being driven by the drive unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a feeddevice that feeds the piece goods in a working operation towards atleast one of the wrapping devices. It is thus possible for the transportdevice to push the piece goods compilations onto the above-mentionedrigid carrier, where a continuous wrapping operation is carried out.Advantageously, as a result of a combination of this feed movement ofthe piece goods compilations and the wrapping operation, an altogetherspirally shaped wrapping of the piece goods is carried out.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a secondwrapping device which can be operated in a working operation of theapparatus at least temporarily at the same time as the first wrappingdevice. Thus for example, the piece goods compilations may be wrappedduring operation by two wrapping devices following on from each other inparticular in the transport direction of the piece goods compilations.As a result, the further wrapping device is preferably provided here aswell and is supposed to be put into operation in particular during achangeover operation as a replacement for at least the first or thesecond wrapping device. It is conceivable here for the apparatus to havejust one further wrapping device and for the film carriers to bepreferably loaded in such a way that the film carriers of the first andthe second wrapping devices will not run empty at the same time. In thisway, the further wrapping device can replace, depending on the occupancystate of the film rolls, the first or the second wrapping device duringongoing operation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second wrapping device isdesigned in such a way that the piece goods are wrapped by the firstwrapping device and by the second wrapping device in oppositedirections. In this way, a cross winding may be produced. Advantageouslyhere, the film elements are here wound up in a helical manner both withthe first and with the second wrapping device, however, the respectivefilm elements are here wound up by the two wrapping devices in acrosswise manner relative to each other. In this way, a higher stabilityof the end product can be achieved.

Advantageously, at least one wrapping device is suitable and designed insuch a way that the dispensing unit is guided in two opposite wrappingdevices around the piece goods compilations. It is thus for examplepossible for the first wrapping device to wrap the piece goodscompilations in a first circulation direction and for the secondwrapping device to wrap the piece goods compilations in a second (inparticular opposite) circulation direction. The further wrapping devicemay be operated, depending on which of the first and second wrappingdevices has to be reloaded, in the corresponding opposite circulationdirection.

However, it would also be conceivable for both a first and a secondwrapping device, which are suitable and designed to run at the same timeduring operation, to have associated therewith in each case a furtherwrapping device, which takes over their work in particular in case thefilm carriers run empty.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus comprises a drivedevice for generating the circulation movement both of the dispensingunit of the first wrapping device and the dispensing unit of the secondwrapping device. This means that both the rotary movement of thedispensing unit of the first wrapping device and the circulationmovement of the dispensing unit of the second wrapping device are drivenby the same drive. It is conceivable here that in the case of achangeover of the film carriers, one of the two wrapping devices isdecoupled so as to enable the film carrier to be replaced in an idlecondition. Advantageously, the drive device for driving the wrappingdevices is an electric motor.

As mentioned above, advantageously at least one of the wrapping devicescan be moved in both circumferential directions. To this end, it may berequired or advantageous if not only the rotary direction is changed,but also the position of a dispensing unit in relation to the productflow. Preferably here, two different positions are conceivable which arerespectively optimised in relation to one wrapping direction.Advantageously, the first and the further wrapping devices are at timessynchronised to each other in their movement. Preferably however, thissynchronisation may be cancelled for carrying out a changeover process.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a gear drivefor driving the wrapping devices or the dispensing units.

Further it would also be possible for at least one of the wrappingdevices to be displaceable along the transport directions of thecontainers. Thus, for example, for changing the label carriers, theentire wrapping device may be disengaged from a drive device, so as tobe able to replace the film rolls in an idle condition.

The present invention is further directed to a method for packagingpiece goods compilations, wherein a transport device transports aplurality of piece goods in a specified transport direction and whereina first wrapping device wraps the piece goods up with a film element,which first wrapping device includes a dispensing unit with a dispensingelement circulating around the piece goods, and the piece goods are fedto the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the filmelement.

According to the invention, the apparatus has a further wrapping devicewhich also at times wraps the piece goods up with a film element, andthis further wrapping device has a dispensing unit with a dispensingelement circulating around, and the piece goods are fed to the firstwrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the film element, andwherein during working operation of the apparatus, the first wrappingdevice and the second wrapping device are selectively used in order towrap up the piece goods.

Advantageously, at least at times one wrapping device is operated,whilst the other one is idle. In particular, at least at times onewrapping device is operated whilst on the other wrapping device filmelements and in particular a roll of film elements are/is replaced.

In a further preferred method, the piece goods are wrapped up by atleast two wrapping devices. In particular here, the wrapping operationis carried out with both wrapping devices at the same time. Thus, duringworking operation, two film elements are applied to the product flow orto the containers. Advantageously here, these film elements are appliedby the two wrapping devices in opposite directions. In this context, thefirst wrapping device may for example apply the film element in aclockwise rotation and the second wrapping device may apply it in acounter-clockwise rotation.

Advantageously, the film elements are applied by the wrapping devices tothe product flow or the containers in a helical or spiral manner.

In a further preferred method, a changeover of film element carriersfrom the respective wrapping devices is carried out at leastsemi-automatically by means of a changeover device. It is thus possiblefor a changeover device, such as for example a changeover robot, to takeempty rolls out of the wrapping device and to supply fully loaded rolls.Advantageously here, these film rolls are inserted into the respectivewrapping devices with a certain rotary direction.

Further advantages and embodiments will result from the attacheddrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles;

FIG. 2 shows a further view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles;

FIG. 3 shows a view of an apparatus for wrapping up bundles with a firstand further wrapping devices;

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping upbundles;

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping upbundles;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a wrapping device;

FIG. 7 shows a view of a changeover device for changing film rolls;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a view of a film roll on a carrier;

FIG. 10a-c show three views of a film roll resting on a carrier; and

FIG. 11 shows an overall view of an apparatus with a changeover device.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a section of a packaging machine or anapparatus 50 according to the invention. Here, containers 1 are suppliedas articles or a piece stream S. Reference numeral 3 relates to atransport device that transports the containers or piece goods along thetransport direction T. The transport device is here preferably made upof a plurality of transport units which may also be arranged between theindividual wrapping devices 2 and 6 and thereafter. In the apparatusshown in FIG. 1, the articles are supplied as a dual-lane infeed flow bymeans of the first conveyor device. This feeding device may for examplebe a conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor or the like.

Reference numeral 2 identifies a first wrapping device that is used forwrapping up the containers with at least one layer of stretchable film,a so-called stretch film. This film element is here preferably wrappedin a helical manner per se known onto the articles or containers whichare here conveyed in a pairwise manner next to each other, whereinsufficient tension of the film element ensures a firm mechanicalcoherence of the article or piece goods stream.

In order to ensure a trouble-free transport of the article or piecegoods stream in the first wrapping device 2, for example circulatingforward feed belts (not shown) may for example laterally engage on thearticle or piece goods stream S, which convey the containers through thefirst wrapping device 2, whilst the containers 1 are wrapped up at thesame time.

In the first wrapping device 2, the containers may for example slide ona bottom sliding plate (not shown), which is also wrapped up.

Reference numeral 60 relates to a first forward feed module locateddownstream of the first wrapping device, which is used for the onwardtransport of the article or piece goods stream already wrapped up withat least one layer of stretch film (typically by means of upper andlower forward feed belts). These forward feed belts may here circulateendlessly over the length of the first forward feed modules on the topand bottom sides of the article or piece goods stream and may ensure theonward transport thereof to a second wrapping device 6.

In the second wrapping device 6, also a second layer of film elementsmay be applied in a helical manner onto the article or piece goodsstream, which is preferably carried out at a different wrapping angle tothe first wrapping device 2 and/or in an opposite wrapping direction(i.e. circulation direction).

Reference numeral 61 relates to a further forward feed module and isused for the onward transport of the article and piece goods stream thatis now wrapped up in several layers of stretch film. To this end, too,upper and lower forward feed belts may again be used which circulatepreferably endlessly over the length of the second forward feed module61 at the top and bottom sides of the article or piece goods stream andeffect the onward transport thereof. As a result of this transport, afilm packaging wrapped up in a helical manner in several layers of filmelements and initially moving endlessly in the conveying direction withcontainers 1 packaged therein is formed, and subsequently, the levelsthat are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the conveyingdevice may be selectively provided with perforations, and/or packagingsbetween consecutive containers or container pairs or groups of severalconveyed containers are severed. Correspondingly, reference numerals 62and 64 relate to cutting units or separation units used for separatingthe film elements. Here, these two cutting units 62, 64 may beredundantly present in order to effect higher throughput rates.

Reference numeral 66 identifies a discharge unit that discharges thebundles 1 thus created.

FIG. 2 shows a lateral view of a corresponding apparatus for wrapping upbundles. Here, the containers 1 as well as the sliding plate or carrier32 are again shown, onto which the plastic containers 1 are pushed.Reference numeral 34 identifies lateral guide elements that are used forthe lateral guiding of the containers or the piece goods compilations.

Reference numerals 63 and 65 identify transport devices which herewithdraw the containers already wrapped up from the first wrappingdevice 2. Reference numeral 72 identifies in a schematic way a cuttingor separating element that cuts the film element, which in the course ofthis moves in a vertical direction P1.

Reference numeral 6 again identifies the second wrapping device, andhere again the containers already bundled may be wrapped up. Referencenumerals 76 and 78 identify two further transport devices which areagain intended for withdrawing the bundles from the second wrappingdevice 6. Reference numeral 79 identifies a second cutting element whichis also used for cutting the film element.

Reference numeral 82 identifies a transport unit for carrying away theindividual bundles that have now been cut.

FIG. 3 shows a further view of a wrapping device according to theinvention. This shows, apart from the two first and second wrappingdevices 2 and 6, also further wrapping devices 4 and 8, respectively.These two further wrapping devices 4 and 8 are used to enable theoperation for example during a roll change of the first and secondwrapping devices to be continued. FIG. 3 shows here two possibleapproaches. In the approach shown in the left-hand part of the figure,transport devices 63 and 65 are again provided between the firstwrapping device 2 and the further wrapping device 4, which transport thecontainers forward. Also, both the first and the further wrappingdevices have a sliding plate (carrier) 32 as well as lateral guideelements 34. The further wrapping device 4 may here be usedalternatively with the first wrapping device 2. In the case of thesecond and further wrapping devices 6 and 8 shown on the right, theseare arranged directly next to each other. A continuous sliding plate(carrier) 32 is also provided here, which may however also beimplemented as a conveyor device. During operation, preferably one ofthe two wrapping devices 6 and 8 may be idle, whilst the second oneapplies wrappings.

Reference numerals 63 and 65 in turn identify a conveyor unit thatwithdraws the bundles from the wrapping devices 6 and 8.

Again, separation elements are provided which are used for separatingthe bundles or the film elements that wrap them up.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, again first and second wrappingdevices 2 and 6 as well as further wrapping devices 4 and 8 respectivelyassociated therewith are provided. In these views, too, the firstwrapping device 2 as well as the further wrapping device 4 on the onehand and the second wrapping device 6 as well as the further wrappingdevice 8 are located together or one immediately behind the other.

In a further embodiment (not shown) it would also be possible for afirst wrapping device 2 as well as a second wrapping device 6 as well asa further wrapping device 4 to be provided. Here, this further wrappingdevice 4 may be located in the transport direction T between the firstwrapping device 2 and the second wrapping device 6. Once a roll isempty, this further wrapping device can selectively take over theoperation of the first wrapping device 2 or of the second wrappingdevice 6.

FIG. 5 shows a further schematic view of an apparatus according to theinvention. In this apparatus, three wrapping devices 2, 4, 6 are shownhere. In addition, however, further wrapping devices may follow inparticular on the right-hand side. Between these individual wrappingdevices, in each case transport or conveyor devices 63, 65 are shown.These may in particular be forward feed devices that withdraw thecontainers for example from the wrapping devices 2, 4. Reference numeral15 identifies a film roll. The wrapping device 4 may here be used when afilm roll is to be replaced on the first wrapping device 2 or the secondwrapping device 6. To this end, at least the further wrapping device 4is suitable and intended to be operated in different circulationdirections.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a wrapping device. This has an annularcarrier generally identified with 25, which is here rotatable along thearrow P2 in the corresponding rotational direction. On this carrier, adispensing unit 30 is provided, which is shown schematically and only asa whole. This has a dispensing element or a reception device 31, onwhich a roll 15, which is only schematically shown, with a film element12 that can be wound off therefrom is provided for example in arotational manner. This film element 12 is used for wrapping up thepiece goods compilation 10. Here again the carrier 32 is shown, which isalso wrapped up, as well as the lateral guide elements 34. After thewrapping, as shown above, the piece goods compilation 10 is pulled offfrom the carrier 32 and the lateral guide elements 34.

Reference numerals 92 and 94 identify wheels that are used for storingthe circulating carrier 25. It is possible here for just one of thesewheels to be driven as well.

As mentioned, it is preferably also possible for the carrier 25 to bemoved in two different directions of rotation. It is also preferablypossible for the carrier roll with the film element to be mounted on itsrotatable carrier 31 in two ways on the left-hand or the right-handside, in order to control the wrapping direction correspondingly.

Advantageously, a rotary speed of the carrier 25 is synchronised with aforward feed speed of the piece goods compilations 10.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a changeover device 100 for changingfilm rolls 15. This changeover device 100 has a gripping device 102 thatcan grip the film roll 15 for a changeover operation. Advantageouslyhere, this gripping device 102 has an internal gripper that can bepushed into an opening 115 (cf. FIG. 8) of the film roll 15. Thisgripping device is here provided on a pivotable arm 108. This pivotablearm 108 in turn is located on a further, also pivotable arm 104 via ajoint 106. Reference numeral 110 identifies a main carrier of thechangeover device. As a result of the plurality of joints shown here, inparticular a pivoting motion of the gripping unit about a plurality ofaxes is possible, here in particular about at least three axes which arein particular perpendicular to each other. In this way, the film roll 15can be positioned in any desired way in a certain working area.

Reference numeral 120 identifies a detection device that can detect forexample data of the film roll 15, such as for example a film material oran occupancy state or the like.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a changeover device 100. Here again, thearm 108 can be seen, on which the gripping device 102 is provided. As aresult of the degrees of freedom, the film rolls 15 can be engaged bytheir openings 115 and can in this way for example be lifted off from apallet.

FIG. 9 shows a view of a film roll 15 provided on a carrier 140. Thisfilm roll has here a marking 128 that shows a wind-off direction. Inaddition, further markings 127, 129 may be provided, which allow anoptical detection device to ensure an accurate alignment of the filmroll. Reference numeral 126 schematically identifies (not shown in moredetail) a further marking, from which for example properties of thelabel roll, such as a material, may be read. For example, a barcode, aQR code or the like may be located here. Reference numeral 122identifies lateral guide elements, which may for example also be adaptedto a width of the film roll 15.

FIGS. 10a to 10c show further views of the film roll 15 provided on thecarrier 140. Here, too, lateral guides 122 can be seen. Referencenumeral 142 identifies a top edge of the carrier, which ultimatelylimits the receptacle for receiving the label roll.

FIG. 11 shows a further overall view of an apparatus according to theinvention with a changeover device 100. A user B can here carry out thischangeover semi-automatically or manually, but ultimately thischangeover device 100 is advantageously used for receiving theindividual film rolls 15 and for feeding them to the overall apparatus1. Reference sign A identifies an action radius of the changeoverdevice. It is also possible here for the changeover device 100 to loadfilm rolls onto several wrapping devices. It would also be possible herefor the changeover device 100 to be displaceable in the transportdirection T in order to change film rolls in different places of theapparatus 1. Reference numeral 152 identifies a reception container forempty rolls.

Reference numeral 142 identifies an optical detection device in order toidentify for example film rolls 15. This optical detection device 142may also be used for detecting a position of the changeover device or ofindividual film rolls. Reference numeral 144 identifies a controldevice, by means of which the changeover device can be controlled. Viaan input device 146, a user can for example input data, such as datathat is characteristic for a product change.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all of the features disclosedin the application documents as being essential to the invention, in asfar as they are novel over the prior art either individually or incombination. It is further pointed out that also features were describedin the individual figures which may be advantageous by themselves. Aperson skilled in the art will immediately recognise that a certainfeature described in a figure may also be advantageous without takingover further features from this figure. A person skilled in the art willfurther recognise that advantages may result also from a combination ofseveral features shown in individual or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Containers-   2 First wrapping device-   3 Transport device-   4 Further wrapping device-   6 Second wrapping device-   8 Further wrapping device-   10 Piece goods compilation-   12 Film element-   14 Article or piece goods stream/film element-   15 Film roll-   25 Circulating (annular) carrier-   30 Dispensing unit-   31 Dispensing element/reception device-   32 Sliding plate/carrier-   34 Lateral guide elements-   50 Apparatus-   60 First forward feed module-   61 Further forward feed module-   62, 64 Cutting or separating unit-   63, 65 Transport device/conveyor unit-   66 Discharge device-   72, 79 Cutting or separating element-   76, 78 Further transport device-   82 Transport unit-   92, 94 Wheels-   100 Changeover device-   102 Gripping device-   106 Joint-   108 Pivotable arm-   110 Main carrier-   115 Opening-   120 Detection device-   122 Lateral guide-   128 Marking-   126, 127, 129 Further markings-   140 Carrier-   144 Control device-   146 Input device-   152 Reception container-   P1 Vertical direction-   P2 Direction of rotation-   S Article or piece goods stream-   T Transport direction-   B User

1: An apparatus for packaging piece goods compilations with a transportdevice that transports a plurality of piece goods in a specifiedtransport direction, comprising a first wrapping device that is suitableand intended for wrapping piece goods with a film element, which firstwrapping device has a dispensing unit with a dispensing elementcirculating around the piece goods, wherein the piece goods can be fedto the first wrapping device so as to be wrapped up with the filmelement, wherein the apparatus comprises a further wrapping device thatis suitable and intended for wrapping up the piece goods with a filmelement, wherein said further wrapping device has a dispensing unit witha dispensing element circulating around the piece goods, wherein thepiece goods can be fed to the first wrapping device so as to be wrappedup with the film element, and wherein during working operation of theapparatus, the first wrapping device and the further wrapping device canbe selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods. 2: The apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, wherein at least one dispensing unit has a receptiondevice in particular for rotationally receiving a film roll. 3: Theapparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the reception device of atleast one dispensing unit is accessible during on-going operation of theapparatus for replacing a film roll with a further film roll. 4: Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a changeoverdevice that allows an at least partially automated changeover of filmcarriers for loading the wrapping devices. 5: The apparatus as claimedin claim 4, wherein the changeover device has a gripping device locatedon a movement device for gripping and/or moving the film carriers. 6:The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further wrapping deviceimmediately follows the first wrapping device in the transportdirection. 7: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least onewrapping device has an annular carrier on which the dispensing unit isprovided. 8: The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transportdevice has a forward feed device that pushes the piece goods into aworking area of at least one of the wrapping devices. 9: The apparatusas claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a second wrappingdevice that can be operated in a working operation of the apparatus atleast temporarily at the same time as the first wrapping device. 10: Theapparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second wrapping device isdesigned in such a way that the piece goods are wrapped up by the firstwrapping device and the second wrapping device in opposite directions.11: The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the apparatus has asecond further wrapping device, wherein during working operation of theapparatus, the second wrapping device and the second further wrappingdevice can be selectively used for wrapping up the piece goods. 12: Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a drivedevice for generating the circulation movement of both the dispensingunit of the first wrapping device and the dispensing unit of the furtherwrapping device. 13: A method for packaging piece goods compilations,wherein a transport device transports a plurality of piece goods in aspecified transport direction, and wherein a first wrapping device wrapsup piece goods with a film element, wherein said first wrapping devicecomprises a dispensing unit with a dispensing element circulating aroundthe piece goods, wherein the piece goods are fed to the first wrappingdevice so as to be wrapped up with the film element, wherein theapparatus has a further wrapping device that at times also wraps up thepiece goods with a film element, wherein the first wrapping device has adispensing unit with a dispensing element that circulates around thepiece goods, wherein the piece goods are fed to the first wrappingdevice so as to be wrapped up with the film element, and wherein duringworking operation of the apparatus, the first wrapping device and afurther wrapping device are selectively used for wrapping up the piecegoods. 14: The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the piece goodsare wrapped up by at least two wrapping devices, wherein the wrappingoperation is in particular carried out at the same time using at leastthese two wrapping devices. 15: The method as claimed in claim 13,wherein a changeover of film carriers is carried out at least partiallyautomatically by a changeover device. 16: The method as claimed in claim13, wherein at least at times one wrapping device is operated, whilstanother wrapping device is idle. 17: The method as claimed in claim 16,wherein in the other wrapping device, at least one film roll isreplaced. 18: The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the filmelements are applied by at least one wrapping device in a helical orspiral form onto the product stream. 19: The method as claimed in claim16, wherein the piece goods are pushed by at least one forward feeddevice into the working region of at least one wrapping device.